Woodstock event honours 16 students from 15 schools
On Wednesday, May 21, the Turnaround Achievement Award celebrated another year of students who embodied remarkable grit, dedication, and persistence in reshaping their personal and academic paths.
The 2025 Turnaround Awards rewarded 16 students from 15 schools, ranging from elementary to high school. Each student is nominated through their school’s Turnaround Committee.
Kaiden Dunn-Morley, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, presented by Sarah Goodfellow
Goodfellow is overjoyed with how much Dunn-Morley has grown since last June. She praises his sense of justice, loyalty, and fighting spirit. Previously, when others would challenge his morals, Goodfellow says he would react strongly, resulting in him getting in trouble. Still, now he can use his values to create positive energy.
“I have seen a definite improvement in how Kaiden responds to these situations. He has been learning to channel his passion into problem-solving and is a champion for his friends at school,” said Goodfellow.
Keelan Taylor, Nackawic Elementary School, presented by Nicole Priest, Robert Powell, and Tanya Jackman
Taylor went from being distracted and making poor choices at school to taking on a leadership role of helping run the outdoor equipment room and thriving in his academics.
Jackman, Taylor’s teacher, says he was once focused on getting approval from his peers and was easily influenced by those who were not a good influence on him.
Taylor would also make bad choices at recess and give attitude to his teachers. However, Taylor realized his actions were wrong and changed his ways.
“Keelan told me that he was not happy with the choices that he was making, and from that point on, he turned it around. He stopped hanging out with students who were making bad choices and chose friends that would not lead him down the wrong path,” said Jackman.
Riley Pottery, Andover Elementary, presented by Miss Gifford
“Riley became someone I could depend on,” said Gifford.
After his best friend moved away at the end of last year, the school felt foreign for Pottery this fall. This stole his positive attitude, and he made poor decisions to make friends.
Gifford spoke with Pottery and his mom to find a way for him to turn things around. Gifford says after the meeting, Pottery “started showing up differently.” He became a responsible student and started asking for help and studying more.
“I would sometimes get notes from substitutes that he had been a helpful and respectful student while I was away. I could count on him to take on responsibilities around the classroom and the school,” said Gifford.
Grifford is proud of how far he has come with his studies and attitude.
Skylar Edwards, Townsview School, presented by Erin Friel
Friel says this year, Edwards has “shown a complete turnaround.” From being a student rarely seen by her peers and educators to participating in class discussions and being excited to learn.
Edwards has gained a newfound confidence and has been able to make strong connections with her peers.
“Townsview School is so proud of Skylar and all the accomplishments she has achieved and look forward to seeing her achieve new goals in the future,” said Friel.
Corben Cullins, Hartland Community School, presented by HCS staff
Cullins has shown how resilient a student he is this past school year. The Hartland Community School staff is immensely proud of how he has become a student who can thrive under pressure by using coping strategies like taking breaks, asking for help, and organizing his work.
“Corben is building habits that will support his long-term success,” said HCS staff.
Cullins embodies the Husky spirit by standing firm with heart, character, and strength. The HCS is excited to see where his future takes him.
Jasper English, Perth-Andover Middle School, presented by Jenaca Deleavey
English began middle school in 2022, during the COVID-19 transition. Initially, he would need one-on-one attention and had difficulty sharing classroom supplies with his peers. Today, however, English loves to share and is embracing it.
“At recess and lunch, you’ll find him outside tossing a football with a group of Grade 8 boys who’ve learned to respect him,” said Deleavey.
English has made significant accomplishments this year. After needing adult supervision for years, he transitioned to riding the school bus alone. He has learned to regulate his emotions and communicate them.
“Jasper has learned to advocate for himself. He knows what he needs to succeed…your growth has been incredible. You’ve earned respect, trust, and yes, even that dirt bike we’ve all heard about. We are beyond proud of the young man you’re becoming,” said Deleavey.
Mya Brooks-Lisoway, Nackawic Middle School, presented by Juliette Graham, Steven Jones, and Robert Powell
In grade 6, Brooks-Lisoway found herself in trouble often and spent a lot of time in the principal’s office. Jones says students used to avoid her because of her negative attitude.
Brooks-Lisoway has completely transformed her image and work ethic. Powell noted how much she has flourished over the past couple of years.
“I have been greatly impressed by this young lady’s growth as a person. Her academics have flourished over the years, as have her confidence and personal insight,” said Powell.
Brooks-Lisoway mentors elementary students and has become a role model for her peers at NMS. Her smile fills the hallways with joy, giving the school positive vibes throughout the week.
“Mya has become the kind of student who our school family will genuinely miss as she continues her life in High school and beyond,” said Powell.
Nova Bustard, Meduxnekeag Consolidated School, presented by MCS staff
In his last year at MCS, Bustard has excelled as a team player. In his spare time, Bustard works in the library, organizes soccer games for younger students, or works as a Big Buddy in the MCS Big Buddy/ Little Buddy program.
The MCS praises his kind and caring heart and is excited to see how he thrives at Woodstock High School this fall.
Isabella Paul, Canterbury High School, presented by CHS staff
The CHS staff says Paul has grown so much since she first started at the school. She can now focus better in class and has shown tremendous dedication to her studies.
Paul has been able to foster friendships with her peers frequently and is known for her kindness and empathy towards others. She often laughs, cracks jokes, and finds positivity in any situation.
The CHS staff is proud to see how far she has come.
Sierra Dufour, Tobique Valley High School, presented by TVHS staff
Dufour went from hardly attending class last year to getting high 80s and 90s on her report cards this year.
She shows persistence in class by asking questions when she needs clarification, meeting assignment deadlines, and participating in class discussions.
The TVHS staff says Dufour is a positive presence in the school community. She constantly greets her peers and teachers and shows genuine interest in what they say.
Her dedication is inspiring to those around her. The TVHS believes this award is well-deserved.
Alexa Brewer, Nackawic High School, presented by Tracey Graham
Graham had known Brewer since she was a little girl when they first met on the baseball field of her brother’s game.
“She was a whirlwind of personality, and I thought, I need to get to know this girl. She’s coming to high school, and wow. She was going to be a lot of work,” said Graham.
In grade 9, Brewer was caught in the fire of typical high school drama. Graham worked with Brewer to help her avoid getting expelled many times. In grade 10, Brewer was rarely at school and hardly finished her assignments.
Brewer has made a complete 180-degree flip. Graham is inspired by Brewer’s grit and passion for change.
“We are so proud of you. Your growth and renewed commitment to your future is truly inspiring,” said Graham.
Chelsea Stacey, John Caldwell School, presented by JCS staff
Stacey struggled with her grades at the start of her high school career. Language Arts and Math were never her strong suit. This has changed over the past two years. Stacey is on the Honour Roll and will attend NBCC in the fall.
The JCS staff says she has learned from her hardships and uses the knowledge she’s gained from them to grow emotionally. Stacey strives to make those around her feel welcome and continuously works on her relationships with her peers.
Dacrcii-Maii Campbell-Williams, Southern Victoria High School, presented by Diana Allen
Allen applauds Campbell-Williams’ effort in her personal growth.
“Darcii-Maii’s journey is a remarkable example of what it means to turn things around—not by changing who she is, but by channeling her energy, creativity, and boldness into mean ingful, positive action,” said Allen.
In the past few years, Campbell-Williams has gained greater self-assurance and resilience, confidently using her voice to stand up for herself and support others. Allen notes that Campbell-Williams’ peers have also blossomed from her growth; she has become someone they can rely on.
Allen says Campbell-Williams’ actions are authentic, impactful, and well-deserving of this award.
“Darcii-Maii’s turnaround isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about embracing who she is and learning to use her strengths to uplift those around her,” said Allen.
Jack Gage, Hartland Community School, presented by HCS staff
Gage returned to HCS in March last year after moving to the UK during elementary school. The HCS staff is impressed with Gage’s efforts to excel in his academics. Gage has enrolled in an extra course this past semester, which he completed in his own time to meet graduation requirements.
Gage has worked as a reading buddy with the HCS kindergarten students, and once a week, he mentors middle school students. He also helped with the school’s Scholastic book fair this spring; his contributions helped the fair run smoothly and bring smiles to the young students.
The HCS staff agree that Gage is a fantastic citizen and a great role model to the younger students at HCS.
Samantha Pluff, Woodstock High School, presented by Matthew Boyd
Pluff struggled to keep up her attendance record in grade 9, which led to low grades. In grade 10, Pluff decided enough was enough and started trying to shine in school.
Boyd says not only has Pluff improved her grade, but she has also made positive connections with other students.
Her hard work led to her realization of how much she loves education. Pluff will attend NBCC in the fall for their Early Childhood Education program.
“It is a pleasure to witness the transformation Samantha has done and I know she has a tremendous future,” said Boyd.
Shawn Demers, Woodstock High School, presented by Ellen Culbert
For Demers, school felt like a chore. He found it hard to engage in class and be motivated, making him barely pass his classes.
Grade 10 changed Demers’s mind; he didn’t want to risk not achieving his dreams of going to college.
“Determined to change, Shawn embarked on a journey to turn his high school career around. Shawn started focusing on positive changes, which built his confidence as grades crept up,” said Culbert.
This year, Demers’ transformation enabled him to be accepted into the Workplace Pilot Program.
“Shawn’s transformation was undeniable, and his teachers have been stating his many accolades,” said Culbert.
